DOWN TO CROSS: TOP 5 Footballers Who Are Devout Catholics

Sport and religion are inextricably entwined in today’s world. In football, stars are as well known for their religious gestures as they are for their goals. And with most of these Catholics, when they score, it is Jesus that gets the credit, not them.

5. Anthony Martial

Martial is of Guadeloupean descent; an insular region of France located in the Leeward Islands, part of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean. But Martial is a Catholic and prays before every match. His youth coaches describe him as a shy and quiet person.

4. Wayne Rooney

Rooney is Catholic and appears to be quite devout. During the 2010 World Cup, a reporter asked him a question about the rosary that he wore around his neck during practice, and the footballer said, “It’s my religion.”

He said, “I pray to God, of course. I believe in God… Don’t pray to help me score goals. I pray for the health of me and everyone on the pitch. It is something I have always done. I pray at night. I pray for my family and friends and for the health of everyone I love.”

3. Cristiano Ronaldo

Born and raised in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, Ronaldo is a Catholic. “I collect crucifix ­necklaces; it’s because of my relationship with God. I always had a gift. I was shown the skills and I am a fantastic footballer but I do believe God gave me the gift;” he says.

“I am religious, in my own way, but not as much as Kaká for example;” he added. But he has a connection with Islam too; with his words: “Not muslim but I personally think that Islam is the most beautiful religion in the World.”